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Introduction

On May 4, 2007, Missouri State University President Michael T. Nietzel appointed the "President’s Emergency Response Task Force" (Task Force). The Task Force was named as a direct result of the tragedy at Virginia Tech University, which occurred on April 16, 2007. President Nietzel charged the Task Force with "reviewing existing campus emergency response policies and procedures, identifying areas of potential improvement, and developing a recommended implementation plan, including a timeline and budget." Specifically, the Task Force was asked to address how to prevent, mitigate, and respond to incidents of campus violence and threats, both internal and external. This phase of the Task Force’s work was completed on August 1, 2007.

As a second phase, President Nietzel asked the Task Force to conduct a "broader review of campus emergency policies and procedures to include: tornadoes and severe weather; fire; bomb threats; and earthquakes." This emphasis is to expand and build upon the work done during the initial phase. The report and recommendations which follow fulfill the Task Force’s second charge.

Members of the Task Force are:

Mr. Odie Blakely, Student

Dr. Tommy Burnett, Faculty

Mr. Andrew Garton, Student

Major Ron Hartman, Springfield Police Department

Mr. Mike Jungers, Student Affairs

Mr. Tim Kilpatrick, Telecommunications

Dr. Bernie McCarthy, Center for Community and Social Issues and Homeland Security

Mr. Ken McClure, Administrative Services, Chair

Mr. Manny Salas-Abarca, Student

Mr. Gary Snavely, Safety and Transportation

Mr. Gary Stewart, Residential Life

Dr. Lorene Stone, Dean, College of Humanities and Public Affairs

Ms. Paula Wilhelm, Human Resources

Mrs. Teresa Steele, Executive Assistant to the Associate Vice President for Administrative Services, provided staff support to the Task Force.

Mr. Dale Moore, University Facilities Analyst, provided assistance to the Task Force and also served on a sub-committee.

The Task Force opted to form into sub-committees in order to do much of its work. This allowed for a more detailed review and analysis of all issues. Individuals with expertise and/or professional insight into areas reviewed were also invited to be a part of these sub-committees.